The Alaska Marine Highway lets you experience this remarkable land firsthand. This magical land of forests, fjords, peaceful communities and abundant wildlife will enchant you with its mixture of Alaska Native, early Russian and colorful Gold Rush history. The Inside Passage and Southeast routes provide connections between all Southeast ports and the continental road system, as well as to the Southcentral/Southwest routes via the Cross-Gulf trip.
Alaska... just the mention of the name stirs the imagination and awakens our spirit of adventure. From the awe-inspiring and mysterious Southwest region, to the recreational paradise of Southcentral Alaska, to the protected waters of the famed Inside Passage in the Southeastern panhandle, the Alaska Marine Highway covers it all. Each magnificent fjord, sky-blue glacier, towering mountain and historic waterfront town tempts you to linger and explore. Crossing the Gulf of Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway vessel is an experience never to be forgotten for its beauty and tranquility. This land is Alaska.
SKAGWAY, the historic frontier town where the great Klondike Gold Rush of ’98 is relived and where the famous narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Railroad is headquartered. There is easy access to the Chilkoot Trail and connection with the Klondike Highway to the Alaska Highway from here.
HAINES-PORT CHILKOOT links the Alaska Marine Highway with land routes through Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Haines is located in a spectacular setting on Chilkat Peninsula near the northern end of Lynn Canal. Haines and Skagway are the only two Southeaster Alaska towns served by the Alaska Marine Highway System that have connecting highways to interior Alaska. Several local air carriers also offer service between these points.
JUNEAU, often referred to as the most beautifully located of all the 50 state capitals, is surrounded by mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Juneau also has the distinction of being the only U.S. capital that can be reached only by air or by sea.
SITKA, on Baranof Island, was one of the earliest Russian settlements in Alaska and retains much of its Russian heritage. The view of Mt. Edgecombe, “Mt. Fuji of the Western Hemisphere,” is spectacular.
PETERSBURG harbor is home to one of Alaska’s finest marinas which shelters Alaska’s largest commercial halibut fleet. This “Little Norway” reflects its heritage in its buildings, customs and inhabitants.
WRANGELL began as a fur-trading post in 1834 and has been governed under three flags: Russian, English, and American. The area is presently being developed for gold mining in the interior.
KETCHIKAN is the center of the Southeastern Alaska fishing industry and the home of the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND is the Jewel of Southeast Alaska. The best-kept secret in Southeast Alaska is Prince of Wales Island in the southern part of the panhandle. At 2231 square miles, it is the third largest island in the United States after Kodiak and the big island of Hawaii.
CRAIG is home to most of the facilities on Prince of Wales, including a medical clinic, the only swimming pool on the island and the largest boat harbor.
KLAWOCK is the second largest community on POW and the home of the only Hatchery on the island.
THORNE BAY is located halfway between Craig and Coffman Cove and was at one time the largest logging camp in North America.
NAUKATI is the gateway to Sea Otter Sound.
COFFMAN COVE is a small logging community located on the northeast coast of POW and is famous for the oyster farms located in a cove right around the corner from the town site!
HOLLIS is the site of the ferry terminal and the connection to the Alaska Marine Highway.
HYDABURG is one of the three native communities on POW.
KASAAN is the smallest organized community on Prince of Wales Island with a population of about 35 people and has only recently been connected to the road system.
PORT PROTECTION and POINT BAKER are two quaint fishing communities on the very north end of the Island, not on the road system, that attract independent fishermen.